CHAPLAINCY MINISTRIES NEWSLETTERS
The question is often asked: What exactly does a chaplain do? The answer goes far beyond job descriptions or daily routines. Chaplaincy is a divine calling—a sacred ministry lived out beyond traditional church walls, in hospitals and hospices, correctional facilities and classrooms, military bases and corporate offices. It is ministry in motion, compassion in action, and grace on the go.
The crisp bite of winter is softening, and the gentle whispers of spring are beginning to stir. As the days grow longer and the sun stretches its golden fingers across the landscape, we see the unmistakable signs of renewal—birds singing joyfully in the morning light, trees adorned with tiny buds of promise, and flowers pushing their way through the thawing earth in a vibrant celebration of life. Not long ago, a fierce snowstorm reminded us that winter still held its grip, momentarily dashing our hopes of an early spring.
The gray skies and biting winds can be difficult to endure, sometimes mirroring the challenges we face in life. Yet, I have come to see winter not as a burden, but as a season of quiet blessings—a time for rest, reflection, and preparation for what lies ahead.
Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries would like to wish you and all those close to you a joyous holiday season. May the words of the angelic choir heard echoing over the mountains over 2,000 years ago announcing the birth of Jesus in ” Luke 2:14 NKJV, bring peace, hope and wholeness to your life:
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” The angels’ words indicate that those who believe in Jesus can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding, a gift that wealth cannot purchase, or philosophy articulate. These words predict an exciting future for all humanity whose faith is in Jesus, even amid life’s challenges.
Spiritual fitness is crucial in the life of a chaplain. Similar to physical fitness, signs of neglect are noticeable. Spiritual Fitness is a term used to capture a person’s overall spiritual health and reflects how spirituality may help one cope with and enjoy life. Happiness and success in life are most likely achieved when all four elements are in balance: physical, mental, social and spiritual. Otherwise, a chaplain’s life can become imbalanced while caring for recipients and performing other pastoral care responsibilities. This imbalance can trigger other problems such as conflicts in both family and professional relationships, poor moral decision-making, burnout, stress-related depression and much more.
On behalf of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, we sincerely appreciate the ministry you and your families provide on the frontline. Our prayers ascend regularly on your behalf. I would like to thank Chaplain Angela Li, Associate Director for Healthcare and Campus, for initiating the ACM newsletter along with the support of the ACM staff. The quarterly newsletter is another means of communicating the amazing blessings and upcoming events taking place at ACM and among 700+ endorsed Seventh-day Adventist chaplains.